Scholarships and Grants

If you are a highly motivated and intellectually curious student who is committed to learning and community, you may be eligible for scholarships and grants at Bucknell. Our blended approach of using institutional grants (based on financial need) and scholarships (based on merit) ensures that we can shape each class to recognize the achievements of the incredible students in our applicant pool.

Most funding is awarded to students who have demonstrated institutional financial need as determined by our Office of Financial Aid. A limited number of merit scholarships are awarded to students who don't have financial need or don't apply for financial aid. Please note that our merit scholarships are only awarded at the time of admission. The scholarship process is extremely competitive, which reflects the strength of our applicants. Our application review is comprehensive and holistic, extending beyond formulas and metrics to allow for thorough consideration of each applicant's achievements and experiences.

Need-based grants are awarded to students who have institutional need-based financial aid eligibility as calculated by Bucknell University's Office of Financial Aid. Eligibility can change from year to year if your family's financial circumstances change (e.g. income, assets, number of undergraduate students in the household enrolled at least half time in first undergraduate degree seeking programs) or if you do not follow the procedures and meet the deadlines for financial aid renewal.

Academic scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements. Students who have extraordinary academic records and the promise to contribute greatly to the University's rich learning environment are eligible. Selected first-year students receive merit scholarships as part of their admissions offer. These scholarships are renewable annually as long as the student remains eligible. Financial aid packages include only one type of academic scholarship; we do not award multiple academic scholarships to individual students.

Dean’s Scholarships

Recipients present outstanding academic profiles, highlighting a very rigorous curriculum, superior grades and standardized test scores with a commitment to school and civic engagement.

$10,000 per year.

Majority need-based, some merit-based.

Automatically renewed for second, third and fourth years as long as you maintain satisfactory academic progress and satisfy requirements of the program.

Campus Enrichment Scholarships

Recognizes applicants with diverse life experiences who will contribute to the cultural and intellectual campus community. First generation college students, students from outside the university's geographic area, and those who bring cultural and intellectual diversity to the campus will be considered.

$6,000 per year.

Majority need-based, some merit-based.

Automatically renewed for second, third and fourth years as long as you maintain satisfactory academic progress and satisfy requirements of the program.

Recognizes applicants with extraordinary talents in the arts. Recipients are selected by faculty members through submission of creative samples and auditions. Awards are available in art & art history, creative writing, dance, film/media studies, literature, music and theatre.

Range between $2,500 and $20,000 per year.

Financial need is not a requirement.

Automatically renewed for second, third and fourth years as long as you maintain satisfactory academic progress and satisfy requirements of the program.

Recognizes students who have participated in the FIRST Robotics Competition at least one full season, a FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) team or have been a mentor for a FIRST Lego League (FLL) team during high school. Applicants must submit a 500 word essay regarding your FIRST experience and your career goals, as well as a letter of recommendation from an adult mentor/coach on your FIRST team.

$10,000 per year.

Financial need is not a requirement.

Automatically renewed for second, third and fourth years as long as you maintain satisfactory academic progress and satisfy requirements of the program.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

Please be aware that our SEOG funding is very limited, so not all Pell recipients will receive it. If you become SEOG eligible after we receive and review your tax and verification information, please be aware that we will reduce previously awarded Bucknell Need-Based Grant dollar for dollar.

We award estimated amounts to PA residents who appear to be eligible based on their CSS PROFILE information.

Awards range from $500 to $4,318 (this may change depending on the state budget). Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before May 1 (strictly enforced deadline) to apply.

Bucknell isn't able to make up these funds if you don't apply on time. If we don't list this grant on your award letter but the state determines that you're eligible at a later date, be aware that we'll reduce any previously awarded Bucknell Need-Based Grant dollar for dollar.

Students from outside PA should check with their state agencies. Many states provide funds for post-secondary education. Many of these grants are transferable to out-of-state institutions, including those received by residents of AL, CT, DE, the DC, MD, MA, NE, OH, RI, VT, and WV.

State grants awarded to residents of NY and NJ are not transferable to colleges and universities in PA.

Students are recommended to apply to their state grant programs by filing the appropriate application form or by releasing the data to the state on the FAFSA. FAFSA instructions list the deadline dates for filing the form as a state grant application.

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